Ford Ecosport
FIRST DRIVE SUV gets a major overhaul for 2018. We try the all-new St-line version
Small SUV is refreshed again with addition of Fiesta tech
DESPITE Ford regularly occupying the top two spots on the UK’S sales chart with the Fiesta and Focus, the firm hasn’t quite fulfilled its potential in the ultracompetitive small SUV sector.
Ford’s Ecosport crossover has struggled to impress since it launched in 2013. It’s been outclassed by long-running rivals like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, and made to look dated by new models such as the SEAT Arona and Citroen C3 Aircross.
However, Ford is determined to prove that there’s life in the Ecosport yet with this heavily updated version, with first deliveries pencilled in for the New Year.
The list of updates is lengthy for what is essentially a facelift. Alongside the sharper, sportier look, Ford has given the car a brand-new interior inspired by the latest Fiesta. In addition, there’s plenty of tech, customisation options and trims.
All-wheel drive has now been introduced to the range, too, linked to a fresh 1.5-litre diesel engine. However, it’s the all-new, range-topping (and new for 2018) St-line, with Ford’s trusty 1.0-litre Ecoboost turbo three-cylinder petrol, we’re testing here.
Although styling is subjective, the old car often came in for criticism over the way it looked. The new model appears cleaner and the St-line model even injects a little desirability into the Ecosport’s design.
It brings a bodykit, 17-inch wheels, a painted contrast roof and plenty of St-inspired trappings inside, including a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Our car’s kit list is good, although much of it is lifted from the slightly cheaper Titanium model.
Overall, the extensively redesigned interior is the most impressive aspect of the new Ecosport. Lower down the range, basic Zetec models get a smaller 6.5-inch display without navigation, but higher-trim cars use Ford’s latest SYNC 3 eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple Carplay, Android Auto and a parking camera. Like the Fiesta’s, the screen is slick to use, while the resolution is bright and sharp. Alongside a new, clearer instrument panel and some decent interior plastics, it makes the SUV’S cabin a nicer place to be.
It is a bit cosy, though. A facelift can’t work miracles, so the same practicality gripes remain. Space up front is par for the course, but rear legroom is particularly tight. The 355-litre boot doesn’t place the Ecosport near the front of the pack on versatility, either, beaten by the 400-litre capacity of the SEAT Arona; itself not the most cavernous car in the class. Despite the sweeping changes, the bootlid is still hinged from the side rather than at the top – a pain in most situations.
For most crossover buyers, driving characteristics aren’t a deal-breaker, but the
“New model appears cleaner and St-line even injects a little desirability into Ecosport’s design”